Sunday, March 15, 2020

National Emergency, Coronavirus, CDC Recommendations, Rail Crossings

Today's News for the Week Prior and Up to March 15, 2020



LOWEY QUESTIONS CDC DIRECTOR ON CORONAVIRUS RESPONSE AND FY21 BUDGET REQUEST
Source: U.S. Representative Nita Lowey (D-NY, 17th)
March 10, 2020
“One week ago, my home county of Westchester, New York, had its first confirmed coronavirus case; today we have 98, with a total of 142 throughout New York State and more than 700 nationwide, including, tragically, 26 deaths. This stunning increase requires every level of government to work together and aggressively to contain and stop the spread of Covid-19."
Read more...

Santa Clara County Elected Leaders Call for Vital Information from TSA on Employees at Mineta San Jose Airport who Tested Positive for COVID-19
Source: U.S. Representative Zoe Lofgren (D-CA, 19th)
March 11, 2020
“If these employees were not in direct contact with travelers, we seek to reassure consumers. However, if the employees were posted at security checkpoints and had direct contact with travelers, we believe more information about posting locations and shift times should be made available to the public."
Read more...

LUJÁN STATEMENT ON CONFIRMED COVID-19 CASES IN NEW MEXICO
Source: U.S. Representative Ben R. Lujan (D-NM, 3rd)
March 11, 2020
“I continue to urge New Mexicans to follow guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the New Mexico Department of Health to prevent the spread of illness and stay healthy. As we collectively address this threat, I will keep New Mexicans updated at each step.”
Read more...

REP LIEU STATEMENT ON HOUSE PASSAGE OF THE FAMILY FIRST CORONAVIRUS RESPONSE ACT
Source: U.S. Representative Ted Lieu (D-CA, 33rd)
March 12, 2020
“I am pleased the House of Representatives passed the Family First Coronavirus Response Act, so that we can take another critical step to help Americans as we combat this deadly illness,” Rep. Ted Lieu said. “To mitigate the harm of the coronavirus, we must ensure anyone who needs a test can get one at no cost. Additionally, American families and workers must have protections should they get sick or have to change their work arrangements because of the coronavirus. I’m pleased that this bill addresses those issues, in addition to others. We have to give our first responders the resources and support they need to save lives. Stopping the coronavirus requires all of us, regardless of party, to work together for the collective good. I urge my colleagues in the Senate to pass this bill quickly so we can mitigate this deadly virus.”
Read more...

THE FAMILY FIRST CORONAVIRUS RESPONSE ACT includes:

  • Free coronavirus testing
  • Emergency paid leave
  • Enhanced unemployment insurance
  • Strengthened food security initiatives
  • Increased federal funds for Medicaid


  • The Families First Coronavirus Response Act provides $1.2 billion to help cover the costs of coronavirus testing, including $142 million to eliminate copay requirements for servicemembers and veterans.

    The bill includes $1.25 billion to provide emergency nutritional assistance for senior citizens, women, children, and low-income families, including; $500 million for Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children; $400 million for the Emergency Food Assistance Program; and $250 million for senior nutrition.

    The bill also includes $15 million for the Internal Revenue Service to administer tax credits.

    Coronavirus precautions include:

  • Washing your hands for at least 20 seconds and frequently
  • Covering your cough or sneeze with your arm
  • Avoiding touching your face
  • Routinely clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces
  • Avoiding close contact with others
  • And staying home if you are sick

    If you are sick, Click HERE to find out what to do!

    Luetkemeyer Statement on President Trump’s National Emergency Declaration
    Source: U.S. Representative Blaine Luetkemeyer (R-MI, 3rd)
    March 13, 2020
    “Today, President Trump took another important step to maintain the health and safety of the American people. The Administration gathered leaders from the American medical community and major retailers to create a plan that will greatly increase our capacity to test, treat and support our country. As Dr. Anthony Fauci stated today, the spread of the coronavirus will eventually end, but this emergency declaration will help it end sooner. Right now, it is important that we continue to practice commonsense health practices like handwashing, while exercising enhanced caution when it comes to our elderly and vulnerable Americans.”
    Read more...

    Congressman Lipinski Introduces Groundbreaking Bills to Reduce Blocked Rail Crossings, Improve Metra Service, and Limit Trains' Impact on Communities
    Source: U.S. Representative Daniel Lipinski (D-IL, 3rd)
    March 13, 2020
    “I am thrilled to introduce this package of legislation that takes into account months of work holding hearings with community members, rail industry representatives, public officials, and passenger advocates to figure out the best way forward to fix problems we see with trains in our communities,” said Congressman Lipinski. “My staff and I listened closely to the concerns of all interested parties and these bills are the culmination of countless hours drafting and fine-tuning. From exploring innovative solutions that will improve safety and end the gridlock caused by idling or broken-down trains in the Chicago area and around the country, to streamlining functionality at Chicago Union Station, these bills can make a dramatic impact. I look forward to discussing these with my colleagues in the Rail Subcommittee and working with them to pass them into law.”
    Read more...

    Chairman Lynch, Chairwoman Maloney And Oversight Chairs Issue Joint Statement On President Trump Declaring National Emergency
    Source: U.S. Representative Stephen F. Lynch (D-MA, 8th)
    March 13, 2020
    “President Trump’s decision to finally declare this emergency is long overdue. We asked FEMA to testify at our Committee hearing earlier this week to hear about their emergency preparedness and response to the coronavirus crisis, but they declined, claiming that ‘the Agency does not feel as if there is much that we would be able to testify to.’ We could not disagree more. Over the past three months, there should have been intense planning to protect our food supply, expand hospital capacity, and manage a host of other emergency response challenges. Instead, the Trump Administration has been inexcusably slow in responding to this crisis, and the President and some of his top aides have been shockingly dishonest about their actions to counter this threat to the American people. We need leadership, we need competence, we need honesty, and we need to come together as a nation to help each other.”
    Read more...

    Rep. Long Issues Statement on H.R. 6201 FAMILY FIRST CORONAVIRUS RESPONSE ACT
    Source: U.S. Representative Billy Long (R-MI, 7th)
    March 14, 2020
    “The only opportunity Members of Congress had to review the text of the 110-page bill was 30 minutes before we voted on it. That was after two days of trying my best to find out what would be in the bill and what we would be voting on. With the Senate having all weekend to review the bill, I look forward to them sending their version back to the House in a form that I can support. Americans have faced many challenges since the founding of our country and we have always pulled together to fight whatever foe and this battle against the Coronavirus will be no different.”
    Read more...

    Congresswoman Elaine Luria Votes for Families First Coronavirus Response Act
    Source: U.S. Representative Elaine Luria (D-VA, 2nd)
    March 14, 2020
    “As the coronavirus epidemic spreads to new localities every day, it is Congress’ duty to act to ensure families and workers will stay safe and healthy,” said Congresswoman Luria. “The Families First Coronavirus Response Act provides much-needed support for Americans who are most at-risk for the economic and health consequences of this outbreak. I urge the Senate to stand up for families and workers across our nation by quickly passing this urgent legislation.”
    Read more...

    State of Louisiana Reports Second COVID-19 Related Death
    Source: Louisiana Governor’s Office
    March 15, 2020
    "Sadly, we have lost our second Louisianan to COVID-19,” said Gov. Edwards. “We ask the state to join us in sending prayers to the family members and friends who are going through this difficult time. As the number of positive cases continues to rise, we need every person to take the necessary actions to help reduce the spread of this virus. It is an extremely serious situation that demands all of our attention. Our elderly and those with chronic health conditions are the most vulnerable, but we all need to act responsibly and look out for ourselves and our neighbors.”
    Read more...